Rafael Nadal competing at November’s Davis Cup Finals in Malaga is a “possibility” according to Spanish Davis Cup captain David Ferrer – amid rumours it could be the final event of his career.
Due to ongoing physical struggles, Nadal has played a limited schedule throughout 2024 and has not played since the Paris 2024 Olympic Games – withdrawing from the US Open and Laver Cup.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion has never set an official retirement date but has conceded his career is approaching its final stages.
Many believed he may choose to follow in Roger Federer’s footsteps and retire at the Laver Cup though, having now pulled out of this weekend’s event in Berlin, the Davis Cup is seen by some as a potential retirement stage.
The Finals will be held on Nadal’s home turf in Malaga and, speaking following a successful qualification campaign, Ferrer said it was possible his former rival could play in November.
“I spoke to Rafa, but we don’t know anything yet,” said the former world No 3.
“There is a possibility that he could be with us in Malaga in November. His goal was the Olympics this year, then he stopped. He needed to rest and spend time with his family, so it was right not to call him up now.
“I will speak to him later. The important thing is that he is well. If he arrives in good condition in November, he would certainly be a player we can count on.
“There is plenty of time to define the team that will take to the field in Malaga. Now they have to focus on the tournaments. I have a lot of good players to choose from.
“It is a positive thing, but at the same time a negative thing: someone will have to be left out. At the moment I am not 100% clear. I only know that this week they have given me immense joy.”
Spain eased through to the Finals thanks to a strong qualification week in Valencia, with Ferrer’s squad anchored by Carlos Alcaraz.
The world No 3 helped his country seal crucial victories in ties against the Czech Republic and France, before skipping a dead rubber against Australia – a tie Spain also triumphed in.
Ferrer added: “It’s an incredible feeling, we played all the matches very well, although it wasn’t easy. They believed in themselves a lot, I couldn’t be happier for them.
“These are moments of great happiness. I can only congratulate all my players for the faith they had in their tennis. Happy for them and also for me, this week spent in Valencia is a beautiful memory that we will carry with us forever.
“The word that defines this team is courage. Courage for having overcome difficult moments. It would have been impossible to achieve this result without this quality.”
